The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-12-13


ing his sword. grasped similar weap-
on. Fury cleaned in tho eyes OF the
combatants; they retreated about six
PAGES.
The pistols were already raised,
when a fgnre, shrouded beyond recog-
milton in large cloak, appeared sud-
denly from behind tree. A knife
flashed in the moonbeams moment.
and the next was buried deep in the
back of the colonel, who fell dead
without n groan, the pistol still grasp
ed in his hand.
Henri stood rooted 10 the spot In ter
ror and astonishment. The murderer
had DISAPPEARED as suddenly as he came.
The moonbeams pierced the dark mass
cs of the trees, and shone full upon the
upturned face of the colonel, but gave
no trace of any other human being.
Henri almost doubted the evidence Of
his senses, and had he been the chal-
lenged, would have been half inclined
to think il only ruse to avoid fight
ing. But this was not the case. The
colonel was no coward. 1t was he
who made the first onset.
Henri was no duelist, and would have
rushed upon his antagonists sword
rather than point one willingly at his
breast. Yet there he stood unframed,
the pistol he had grasped so unwilling
ly, still in his hand, without having
performed its dreadful duty, and yet
his rash rival stretched out corpse
before him! He recovered slowly from
his apathy--laid down the pistol and
went and kneeled down by the side
of the dead man. and endeavored TO
staunch the wound, though convinced
of its inutility. His own handkerchief
marked Henri Montero in full was en-
ployed for this purpose. He then pro-
cecded to search the pockets OF the dead
man, thinking ii probable he carried
some treasures about him which might
tempt others to rob him while he was
gone for assistance. Whatever valua-
bles he might find upon the body, he
resolved to carry to the nearest rela-
tions, and then proceed to the village
for aid. He found in the pockets q
well-filled purse and an anonymous
letter directed to the colonel, giving
him information that his rival, Henri
Montero, had supplanied him in the
affections of the fair Marie, and that
evening the lovers were to meet in
certain trysling spot--that Henri had
frequently made use of derlsive cpl
thets in speaking of the colonel, and
warning him to beware of the low
born upstart. There was no signature,
but as Henri crushed the letter in his,
hand and thrust il into his pocket he
said to himsef
II know that hand writing A light
breaks on my m Mt"
He was preparing to leave the spot
when the sound of many voices arrest
ed his attention.
"Ah," thought he, assistance comes
without seeking it,"
All the time the youth had not the
least suspicion OF any danger threaten
ing himself from his position. and
stood calmly waiting the approach of
the footsteps, which he tried to hasten
by crying loudly for help. The next
moment he was surrounded by group
of men who gazed with surprise upon
the scene before them.
"Ah! murder committed! and, here,
no doubt. is the murdercr!" exclaimed
one. as he seized Henri by the arm.
The latter shook of the grip.
"A murder has been committed, but
not by me-" he said. 81 was about to
seek for assistance to convey the body
of the colonel home, and to seek for
his slayer Let us 60 over to tho mag
istrate."'
"The colonel T. exclaimed the first
speaker. ut is then, he. and he has
been killed for his money. OF course
he has been robbed. ALSO"
81 took care to prevent that" said
Henri, land have his money in my
possession"
"This looks dark" said a second
boor taking a cigarette from his
mouth.
"He has his money and was
found alone with the dead'-rather
suspicious" said third.
Some had stopped down to examine
the body and one lifted the handker.
chief which had been so uselessly en-
ployed.
Your name. young manp" he de.
manded.
Henri Montero." replid the youth.
The man put the handkerchief into his
pocket, and without further remark
babe his companions to bind the MUIR
derder and bring him along.
Touch me not! am innocent" ex-
claimed Henri
Yet, as he spoke, the extreme peril OF
his situation and the circumstances
under which he was found. rushed SO
forcibly upon his mind that he stagger-
ed and turned pale.
"'Tis true" he thought-"every-
thing appears against me-" Yet sud.